Related concepts:

Introduction to seborrhea:

What is seborrhea?

Seborrhea is a chronic skin condition that shows up where and when the sebaceous glands in the skin are most active.

Who gets seborrhea?

Anyone can get seborrhea. Seborrhea is more common in children than in adults, especially during the first year of life and during the teenage years.

Most people with seborrhea are otherwise healthy, but people with HIV often develop severe seborrhea.

What are the symptoms of seborrhea?

The main feature of seborrhea during childhood is red skin covered with greasy, crusty scales. It’s most common behind the ears, under the arms, in the diaper area, and on the face and neck. In the first month of life it is most common on the scalp, where it is called cradle cap. In teens, the seborrhea may only appear as the dry flakes of dandruff. It may also appear on the eyelids or concentrated in the beard area. Occasionally it shows up in ear canals or in the belly button.
If seborrhea itches at all, the itching is typically mild.

Is seborrhea contagious?

No

How long does seborrhea last?

Most seborrhea in babies disappears by the first birthday. In teens, it may only be present during puberty, or it may become a lifelong condition.

How is seborrhea diagnosed?

Seborrhea is usually diagnosed based on the physical exam.

How is seborrhea treated?

Seborrhea is often treated with an anti-seborrhea shampoo containing sulfur, salicylic acid, selenium, zinc, or tar. Stronger treatments are available if needed.
Some children have eczema or fungal infections in the same areas. This needs to be treated at the same time. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1993 Dec;29(6):1008-12).

Dr. Greene is the founder of DrGreene.com (cited by the AMA as “the pioneer physician Web site”), a practicing pediatrician, father of four, & author of Raising Baby Green & Feeding Baby Green. He appears frequently in the media including such venues as the The New York Times, the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, & the Dr. Oz Show.